| Wherever you are on life's journey, you are welcome here! |
| Riviera United Church of Christ |
| 451 Riviera Drive NE ● Palm Bay, Florida 32905 ● 321-723-3963 |
| © Riviera United Church of Christ |
| Who We Are |
Riviera United Church of Christ is a Gospel-centered community of faith gathered in a new (2003) multi-purpose building on
a beautiful, wooded 20-acre campus in Palm Bay, Florida. Part of the United Church of Christ, we are a very diverse
congregation, welcoming all kinds of people from every imaginable background: “red and yellow, black and white;” the
young, middle-aged, and “gettin’ on up there, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or straight”; Democrats and Republicans,
Libertarians, Green Party, and Independents. It would be easy if we could claim one label. The challenge is to come
together as all of God’s people.
One mark of welcome in our church is our communion table. It is radically open, as we believe Jesus meant it to be. One
doesn’t have to be baptized, adult, Christian, or have met any other requirement to come and taste and know the goodness
of God.
Another mark of welcome is our openness and respect as we discuss scripture and explore faith together. Questions are not
viewed as signs of doubt; nor are answers easily handed out. This is a head and heart church, a thinking and feeling
church, a learning and experiencing church.
Our Sacraments
Communion, or the Lord’s table, is shared every first Sunday of the month in both services of worship. All are welcome, even
those who are visiting with us. No credentials necessary! The bread and cup symbolize for us the continuing presence of
Christ. This meal reminds us to share the love of Christ and his compassion and peace-filled ways with one another and the
world.
Baptism is usually practiced by sprinkling, though immersion is also possible upon request.
This is a sign and symbol of what God has already started in each of us, God’s claim on us as children of the Holy One. It is
also a sign of our commitment to the gathered community and to the mission and ministry of Christ’s church. Baptism is a
powerful and joyful celebration of the journey of faith.
Our History
Although Riviera United Church of Christ is now located in Palm Bay, we actually began as a church in our sister city,
Melbourne, Florida. In 1889, a dozen pioneers to the area incorporated a church under the name First Congregational
Church of Melbourne. The congregation met in the home of Edward Branch and later shared space in the Methodist
Episcopal church. In 1893, the first building was completed at the corner of US1 and Strawbridge (State Road 192). Over
the next century, the church went through good times and bad. By 2000, we had outgrown the old building and the small lot
in downtown Melbourne. The beloved historic site was sold to another young church. Our congregation, under the name
United Church of Christ, Congregational, moved to a temporary site, a former furniture warehouse on Palm Bay Road. We
spent the next three years planning and constructing our present facility on these 20 acres. We took the name Riviera
United Church of Christ and made the big move. Our first Sunday service was held on March 2, 2003.
The Rev. Alicia Rapp has been our pastor throughout this process of transition, coming to the church in 1996. The Rev.
Scott Elliott was called to serve as our first-ever Assistant Pastor, helping us grow as we respond to the call for ministry in our
community.
Ministry and Mission
Since 1997, we have offered two services of worship. The traditional service has all the elements with which one might have
grown up—hymns, liturgy, responses. The contemporary service is very informal with a band and upbeat music.
Between the worship services, we enjoy coffee and refreshments together. Classes are also offered for adults, children and
youth. The adults are usually engaged in a provocative book study with open and respectful discussion. The children’s
program is centered on an active and joyful encounter with the stories of our faith.
Music is a big part of our life and ministry. There is something for everyone and every age group, from chiming to
drumming to classical chancel choir.
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one, confidential caring ministry offered by trained members of our congregation. Anyone in
crisis (going through divorce, depression, grief, etc.) can request the services of a Stephen Minister. One will be appointed
to meet on a weekly basis to listen and provide compassionate, Christian care.
Justice Ministries is an educational group meeting once a month for conversation, dialogue, and planning.
There’s more! Check us out.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
The National United Church of Christ: http://ucc.org/choose.html
The Florida Conference of the UCC: http://www.uccfla.org/
Our Church's myspace site: http://www.myspace.com/rivieraucc
a beautiful, wooded 20-acre campus in Palm Bay, Florida. Part of the United Church of Christ, we are a very diverse
congregation, welcoming all kinds of people from every imaginable background: “red and yellow, black and white;” the
young, middle-aged, and “gettin’ on up there, gay, bisexual, transgendered, or straight”; Democrats and Republicans,
Libertarians, Green Party, and Independents. It would be easy if we could claim one label. The challenge is to come
together as all of God’s people.
One mark of welcome in our church is our communion table. It is radically open, as we believe Jesus meant it to be. One
doesn’t have to be baptized, adult, Christian, or have met any other requirement to come and taste and know the goodness
of God.
Another mark of welcome is our openness and respect as we discuss scripture and explore faith together. Questions are not
viewed as signs of doubt; nor are answers easily handed out. This is a head and heart church, a thinking and feeling
church, a learning and experiencing church.
Our Sacraments
Communion, or the Lord’s table, is shared every first Sunday of the month in both services of worship. All are welcome, even
those who are visiting with us. No credentials necessary! The bread and cup symbolize for us the continuing presence of
Christ. This meal reminds us to share the love of Christ and his compassion and peace-filled ways with one another and the
world.
Baptism is usually practiced by sprinkling, though immersion is also possible upon request.
This is a sign and symbol of what God has already started in each of us, God’s claim on us as children of the Holy One. It is
also a sign of our commitment to the gathered community and to the mission and ministry of Christ’s church. Baptism is a
powerful and joyful celebration of the journey of faith.
Our History
Although Riviera United Church of Christ is now located in Palm Bay, we actually began as a church in our sister city,
Melbourne, Florida. In 1889, a dozen pioneers to the area incorporated a church under the name First Congregational
Church of Melbourne. The congregation met in the home of Edward Branch and later shared space in the Methodist
Episcopal church. In 1893, the first building was completed at the corner of US1 and Strawbridge (State Road 192). Over
the next century, the church went through good times and bad. By 2000, we had outgrown the old building and the small lot
in downtown Melbourne. The beloved historic site was sold to another young church. Our congregation, under the name
United Church of Christ, Congregational, moved to a temporary site, a former furniture warehouse on Palm Bay Road. We
spent the next three years planning and constructing our present facility on these 20 acres. We took the name Riviera
United Church of Christ and made the big move. Our first Sunday service was held on March 2, 2003.
The Rev. Alicia Rapp has been our pastor throughout this process of transition, coming to the church in 1996. The Rev.
Scott Elliott was called to serve as our first-ever Assistant Pastor, helping us grow as we respond to the call for ministry in our
community.
Ministry and Mission
Since 1997, we have offered two services of worship. The traditional service has all the elements with which one might have
grown up—hymns, liturgy, responses. The contemporary service is very informal with a band and upbeat music.
Between the worship services, we enjoy coffee and refreshments together. Classes are also offered for adults, children and
youth. The adults are usually engaged in a provocative book study with open and respectful discussion. The children’s
program is centered on an active and joyful encounter with the stories of our faith.
Music is a big part of our life and ministry. There is something for everyone and every age group, from chiming to
drumming to classical chancel choir.
Stephen Ministry is a one-to-one, confidential caring ministry offered by trained members of our congregation. Anyone in
crisis (going through divorce, depression, grief, etc.) can request the services of a Stephen Minister. One will be appointed
to meet on a weekly basis to listen and provide compassionate, Christian care.
Justice Ministries is an educational group meeting once a month for conversation, dialogue, and planning.
There’s more! Check us out.
Wherever you are on life’s journey, you are welcome here.
The National United Church of Christ: http://ucc.org/choose.html
The Florida Conference of the UCC: http://www.uccfla.org/
Our Church's myspace site: http://www.myspace.com/rivieraucc
